On 25 April, Brian Russell, aged 30, of Clevedon Drive, Lower Earley, was found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of sexual activity with a child, following a week-long trial at the same court.

He was given seven and a half years’ for each count of rape, and four years’ for one count of sexual activity with a child. Each sentence will run concurrently.

The jury found Russell unanimously guilty of one count of sexual activity with a child, unanimously guilty of one count of rape, and returned a majority verdict on the other count of rape.

Russell invited the victims, two girls, to his property where the offences took place between 11 and 12 August 2014.

He was arrested on 2 October 2014 and charged with the offences on 15 May last year.

Investigating officer, Det Con James Woodcock of Force CID for Berkshire, said: “Firstly, I am grateful to the victims who have shown immense courage when they gave evidence during the trial.

“This result demonstrates that victims should feel confident in reporting rapes to Thames Valley Police. We will then do all we can to support them. Please have confidence in reporting similar offences to us. The easiest way to do this is by calling us at any time of day on 101. Alternatively, you can visit your nearest police station to speak to an officer.”